Hosting WordPress blogs on a server means one thing: ensuring that your site can always be accessed, at all times, by any visitor – even those who are a few clicks away from the homepage.

While the benefits are numerous, it’s crucial to understand the costs that come along with server hosting. One of the biggest issues is security. Keeping your site secure from cyber-attacks, whether they come from external sources or from staff within the organization, is nearly impossible.

But, with the right tools and some basic knowledge, you can significantly improve your chances of staying safe online. And, in case you’re curious, most modern security tools are completely free. So, without further ado, here are some top tips on how to become a more secure WordPress blogger.

Use A VPN To Protect Your Data

The very first step to enhancing your blog’s security is using a VPN to encrypt all of your internet traffic before it leaves your device. A VPN will hide your IP address – the address that appears whenever you make a request – as well as protect you from all kinds of internet threats. And, since we’re on the topic of security, let’s discuss how valuable this service can be.

Many people think that security through obscurity is an effective way to keep hackers at bay. However, the truth is that, when it comes to cybersecurity, nobody is really safe unless they take the time to protect their personal data.

If you use the internet for financial transactions or to look up personal information, you’re probably acutely aware of how vulnerable you are to cybercriminals. Whether you shop online or offline, the data you enter into forms is easily accessed by hackers. And, let’s face it, shopping habits are some of the most sensitive data a person could have. Between credit card numbers and email addresses, there’s a lot of information that could be used to steal your identity. So, if you want to remain private, you have to take the time to secure your personal data.

Similarly, if you visit a site that collects personal information, such as an email address, you’re opening yourself up to threats. The more you interact with the site, the more you’re revealing your personal data and the greater the risk of being hacked. If you’re not used to this level of threat, it can feel overwhelming, and that’s certainly the point. By taking the time to understand exactly what’s going on, you can better prepare yourself for the unexpected and fight back against these hackers. And that’s what matters in life, right? Not being a victim.

Keep Your WordPress Installation Updated

One of the most effective ways to improve your blog’s security is through regular updates. With the ever-changing world of technology, hackers develop new ways to break into websites and servers regularly. And, as a result, the webmasters who run servers must keep installing security updates to protect their systems from the latest threats.

Keeping your WordPress installation updated is, in fact, one of the services that you get with your hosting package. However, it’s crucial that you perform these updates promptly and correctly. If you don’t, you could be opening yourself up to vulnerabilities that a hacker could exploit. For instance, a vulnerable WordPress installation could allow a hacker to install malware on your site. And that, my friend, is a pain that you do not need.

Malware could be anything from a simple adware program that tracks your behavior to a more complex ransomware program that encrypts your files and demands a ransom. The only way to know for sure is to look for telltale signs of malware, such as spyware or adware installed on your computer and try to remove it. Not to mention that you could end up costing yourself a pretty penny if you fall victim to a ransomware attack. So, it’s definitely worth the time to keep your WordPress installation updated and safe.

Choose A Strong Password

A strong password, combined with a VPN, can greatly increase your blog’s security. If you use the same weak password for your WiFi that you use for your blog, you’re setting yourself up for disaster. Remember, the more complex your password is, the more difficult it will be for someone to break into your network – even if they have your phone number or email address. So, make sure to choose a strong password that isn’t easy to guess. And, if you’re worried about remembering all of those complicated passwords, there are many apps and services that can help you organize and securely store your passwords for you – such as LastPass.

Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is standard on most major websites and online services these days. It’s a simple but effective way to ensure that you are, in fact, logging in to your account with a valid username and password. When you log in using 2FA, you are presented with two verification methods – something you know, and something you have.

You know your username and password, so you enter them into the authentication form. However, before the website lets you log in, it will ask for a verification code that you have – on the other end, your phone or a code generator app such as Google Authenticator. This ensures that, even if a hacker gains access to your personal data, they won’t be able to log in to your account without also having access to another device that he or she owns – such as a smartphone, laptop or desktop PC.

This may seem like overkill, but, considering all of the different ways that a hacker could break in, it’s best to be safe than sorry when it comes to security. Using 2FA on your blog will significantly increase your site’s security. And it’s completely free and, in most cases, quite easy to implement. So, if you’re interested, give it a shot.

While many of the tips and tricks discussed above may seem obvious, it’s crucial to understand that cybersecurity is, in fact, quite complex. If you’re determined to keep your data private, it’s worth taking the time to learn a few things about security. And, if you’re looking for ways to make your blog more secure, there are many free and paid-for solutions that can be used to protect your personal data and your site.